Denver Community Celebrates Cecily’s Life and Work

A celebration of the life and work of Cecily (“Peggy”) Jones took place in Denver Aug. 13. About 60 co-workers, collaborators, Community members and other friends gathered at Loretto Center for songs, poetry and storytelling.

Pat McCormick and Sue Kenney planned and led the event, and friends and Community members brought food for continuing the celebrating.

Pat read an account that included a comprehensive review of Cecily’s peace work in Denver.

As a member of a very special household, including Mary Luke Tobin, Helen Sanders, Carol Dunphy and Sara Frink, Cecily worked with all of them in addition to holding jobs with other religious groups (secretary of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, for example). She served as Luke’s secretary and the household chef (along with Sara).

The Denver Post called her a “long-time activist” as well as theologian, teacher and poet. It also reported that she “took to heart” the principle of working for justice and acting for peace.

Many of those who celebrated Cecily in Denver gave testimonials to her dedication to peace and justice as well as to steadfast friendship.

This celebration, in addition to the one at the Motherhouse earlier, attest to Cecily’s widespread influence within Loretto and in the world.

Rest in peace, Cecily!